The Manhattan Beach Fire Department recently donated a retired 1989 Emergency One Hush fire engine to El Camino College’s Fire Academy in Inglewood, helping to replace its aging fleet of engines built in the 1970s.
The donated fire truck was prominently displayed at the Fire Academy at this year’s class graduation on April 26.
MBFD Capt. Scott Hafdell, who is an instructor at the Fire Academy, said El Camino has recently obtained two newer fire engines in addition to MBFD’s donation. He explained that although these vehicles are more than 20 years old, they were designed with newer safety features, including a breathing apparatus mounted in the seat backs.
“This allows the students to perform fire ground operations in a more realistic environment and better prepare themselves for their careers in the fire service,” Capt. Hafdell said.
Graduates use their training to certify as California State Fire Firefighter Level 1, which is widely required by fire departments statewide for full-time firefighter positions.
Numerous career firefighters trained at El Camino’s Fire Academy currently work for South Bay cities, including Manhattan Beach.
